A dozen indictments, $2 million worth of stolen items recovered as a result of burglary investigation
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Gwinnett County Police Department announced the indictment of 12 people as a result of a two-year-long burglary investigation.
Investigators said the suspects were allegedly targeting homes of Asian Americans and stealing expensive, designer items.
"They would wait for the individuals to leave or somehow verify they were not home and they would go into the residence," said Cpl. Ryan Winderweedle with the Gwinnett County Police Department.
About 200 items, including handbags, jewelry, watches were found.
All of the items total more than $2 million.
Detectives also found fake social security cards and passports.
According to investigators, the suspects are tied to similar burglaries in Forsyth, Oconee, Bibb and Fayette counties. Investigators said they're also linked to crimes in Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
"You can string several burglaries together with a pattern of some kind, whether it's a pattern of entry, types of items taken, or even locations that are targeted," Winderweedle said.
In this case, the fact that the victims were Asian American and the fact that the crooks allegedly stole designer items is what helped investigators connect the crimes to one another.
Authorities said it’s not clear how they picked the homes, but said the suspects struck during the day.
Winderweedle said a good way to keep your home safe while you’re away is by getting to know your neighbors.
"Things that can really work in your favor, just know your neighbors. when police get called to a burglary in progress, usually that's because a neighbor saw someone walking behind a house who doesn't belong there," he said.
Several people were arrested for similar crimes about two years ago. Authorities said they do not believe the two groups are related.
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